Alexandra Tay confident Ghana can make U-20 World Cup history in Poland

Alexandra Tay says Ghana’s Black Princesses are ready to challenge for a place in the knockout stages of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup for the first time in the team’s history.

The centre-back is preparing to appear at the tournament for a second successive edition after representing Ghana at the 2024 competition in Colombia. Tay believes the experience gained from that campaign has helped her develop, while also giving her a clearer understanding of the demands of international football at youth level.

Ghana will begin their Group campaign against Ecuador on 6 September 2026. They will then face Korea Republic and France as they attempt to progress beyond the group stage for the first time.

"The training has been really good. I think the motivation in the group is really strong right now. Now that we're in Poland, it's a good mix of excitement and a real desire to compete and to hunt for something that we haven't done before. So I think we're ready to go," Tay said.

The defender, who has taken part in preparations with the squad in Poland, said representing Ghana at a second World Cup was both a privilege and a source of gratitude.

"I was extremely humbled. I'm always honoured to represent Ghana and to play in a second World Cup. The Under-20 World Cup is an extreme privilege and I'm incredibly grateful to be here. The experience in Colombia in 2024 really emphasised to me how important it is to focus on each game. We have our first game on Sunday and that has to be our first focus.

"We have to look towards that and then take it step by step from there. But that has to be our first priority before we can look at anything else."

Tay also outlined the contribution she hopes to make from the heart of Ghana’s defence. She said improving her composure and communication had been an important part of her development since the previous tournament, qualities she believes can help the team remain organised.

"As a player, I try to bring a level of composure and communication to the game. I've really tried to improve in that area, especially as a centre-back and from that central position. So I'm hoping that's something I can continue to implement in this team now and help us organisationally."

Ghana’s campaign will begin with the immediate objective of securing a strong result against Ecuador, before attention turns to the remaining Group fixtures against Korea Republic and France.

Tay said the Black Princesses were determined to make the most of their opportunity and urged supporters to continue backing the team throughout the tournament.

"We want to advance from the group and go as far as we can. So we thank you for your support as always. We hope you continue to support us on this journey and we're going to make you proud."

The tournament represents another opportunity for Ghana’s Under-20 side to achieve a landmark result, with Tay aiming to use her greater experience to help the team handle the challenge in Poland.

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